By GGabriel Ameh
More than 200 Nigerian businesspeople attending the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia 2026 have called for stronger government support and closer collaboration with the private sector to turn international trade engagements into economic opportunities.
The Nigerian delegation, comprising entrepreneurs from different parts of the country, is participating in the global trade event in Tangerang, Indonesia, to explore partnerships, exchange business ideas and expand access to international markets.
Hassan Tahir Yaro, President of the Kano Council of Traders and Entrepreneurs and a council member of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, described the Nigerian turnout as a strong demonstration of the country’s private sector’s interest in international trade.
“We are here in numbers to make our business community proud, not only in Nigeria, in Africa. And, Alhamdulillah, we met with potential business partners as usual,” Yaro said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Expo at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD City, he said Nigerian entrepreneurs were eager to learn from international counterparts and build relationships that could benefit businesses back home.
However, he stressed that stronger official participation in strategic side-events, including the D-8 Business Forum, could help Nigeria maximise the benefits of its presence at the international gathering.
“We are all from private sector… We are here to tap ideas. We are here to tap a lot of experience to take it down to Nigeria,” he said.
Nigerian Traders Seek Stronger Institutional Support
Yaro said closer coordination between government institutions and business organisations was necessary to ensure that Nigerian entrepreneurs attending international trade events received the support needed to translate contacts and discussions into practical business outcomes.
He also commended the Federal Government’s attention to the halal economy, particularly the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“Alhamdulillah, we know, Kashim Shettima, the vice president, he is doing his possible best when it comes to this issue of Halal. Because the president gave him an open hand,” Yaro said.
According to Yaro, information from the Nigerian Embassy in Jakarta indicated that an invitation had been extended to the Federal Ministry of Trade to participate in one of the Expo’s side forums.
He suggested that the timing of the invitation might have affected the level of official representation but expressed hope that preparations would improve ahead of future editions.
“Maybe they have an excuse. Since they were invited late, maybe they have an excuse… Hopefully, next year they will come in numbers,” he said.
Yaro also highlighted access to finance as a major concern for Nigerian entrepreneurs seeking to compete internationally. He called on the Developing Eight (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation to play a stronger role in facilitating business connections and improving financing opportunities.
“Nigeria is spending more money to mobilize business community, entrepreneurs… For them to meet up with international business partners. Most importantly, issue of having access to finance. D-8 has a very vital role to play. Nigerians are very ready. We are hardworking business people,” he said.
He urged the government and private sector to work together in identifying and preparing relevant business operators for international exhibitions, ensuring that participation delivers lasting benefits for Nigerian enterprises.
Indonesia Pushes for Stronger Trade Among D-8 Countries
Meanwhile, Indonesia has called on members of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation to strengthen trade relations, diversify their economies and build more resilient supply chains.
Speaking at the second D-8 Business Forum held alongside the Expo, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, represented by Director Johnny Marta, said trade among member countries remained below its potential.
Under the theme, “Advancing Indonesia’s D-8 Presidency: Empowering Business Cooperation in Trade and Supply Chains,” Santoso said intra-D-8 trade accounted for about seven per cent, below the 10 per cent target outlined in the organisation’s Decennial Roadmap.
He noted that the member countries collectively represent a population of approximately 1.2 billion people and a combined gross domestic product of about $5 trillion, creating significant opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.
Santoso pointed to geopolitical changes and the realignment of global supply chains as reasons for member countries to strengthen value addition, digital connectivity and joint supply chains in food, energy and the halal economy.
He also announced that Indonesia would host the 10th D-8 Supervisory Committee meeting and the fifth D-8 Trade Ministers Council meeting in 2027, as part of efforts to deepen economic integration beyond the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement.
Trade Expo Indonesia 2026
The 41st Trade Expo Indonesia is taking place from October 14 to 18, 2026, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in BSD City, Tangerang.
The event brings together businesses, international buyers and investors to explore trade partnerships, investment opportunities and cross-border commercial relationships.
For Nigeria, the participation of more than 200 entrepreneurs presents an opportunity to strengthen international business ties. However, the delegation’s call for closer government-private sector collaboration highlights the importance of converting trade missions into sustainable partnerships, improved access to finance and greater market opportunities for local businesses.
Source: Information and quotations supplied from Trade Expo Indonesia 2026 and the D-8 Business Forum.
